History Of The Gibson Center

The Gibson Center took root from seeds planted in 1973. At that time, an ambitious group of volunteers, local churches and the Memorial Hospital rallied their forces to begin the first senior nutrition program in the Mount Washington Valley area.

It started with 12-15 seniors receiving daily meals in their homes. Soon added were congregate meals served at churches on a rotating basis.

Through the tireless efforts of Glenna Mori, the former summer home of financier and philanthropist Harvey Dow Gibson was leased from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester. The Tri-County Community Action Program was instrumental in funding kitchen and dining room construction. In 1979, a board of directors was created, by-laws were drawn up and Glenna Mori became the Center's first Executive Director.

Thirty years after its start, the Gibson Center is serving 59,000 meals a year. Two vans provide transportation. The Center is thriving from dawn to dusk with activities and community events. Our ONE MILLIONTH MEAL was served on April 7, 2006 with a gala celebration held on April 11th.

In 2000, a successful capital campaign enabled us to purchase our building from the Diocese of Manchester and construct a 2400 square foot addition with a new dining room and kitchen.

The Center continues to reflect its history. One of the more bustling spots is the Glenna Mori Activity Room. The social room is named in memory of Kay Reed and the Pool Hall Gang converges on the Carroll Reed Room. For those who weren't here or don't remember, the Reeds were the catalysts for "modern" skiing in the United States. For decades, the Carroll Reed Shop was a landmark for the latest in skiwear and equipment. Kay and Carroll also set the highest imaginable standards for customer service. The Sprague Dining Room honors Charlie Sprague, an enthusiastic long time supporter of the Gibson Center and a prime example of thoughtful philanthropy in the 21st Century.

July 2005 saw the Gibson Center assume ownership of Silver Lake Landing, a gorgeous facility on the shores of Silver Lake with 19 independent living apartments.

We are moving forward...